Awareness Post - Kim Chong-Hak

Kim Chong-Hak is a contemporary artist and painter born in 1937 in North Korea. His work is notable for its vibrant colors and distinctive shapes. At a very young age, he was interested in pursuing the arts. His father and grandfather supported him, believing that "law is likely to hurt others, while art is not likely to do so." His family fled to South Korea in 1945 in response to the Soviet Union occupation of North Korea.

Kim graduated from the National University of Seoul in 1962 with a BFA, before studying print at Tokyo Art University. 15 years later, he attended Pratt University's graphic center to further his focus in the arts.

His first exhibition was a group exhibit in 1960 at The 1th Exhibition of 60’s Artists Association, Deoksu Palace Stonewall, Seoul, Korea. He continued to participate in group exhibitions for over half a century, with his post recent in 2016 at Whanki Museum, Seoul, Korea and Ehwa Museum, Seoul, Korea.

His first solo exhibition was in 1964, two years after his graduation, at the Gallery of Press Center, Seoul, Korea. His work has been shown internationally, with solo shows taking place in cities such as Los Angeles and Tokyo. Most recently in 2020, he displayed his art in the Kim Chong Hak-Highlighting Contemporary Artist lll, Busan Museum of Art, Busan, Korea.

He mainly paints with oil and acrylic on canvas. His recent work focuses on lots of floral patterns and depictions of nature. I chose Kim Chong-Hak because I really love his use of color and sense of movement in his art. Kim is currently 87 years old and continues to create paintings, and I find his life and work very inspiring.